Request this 30–60-minute workshop, and you and your colleagues will be guided through gentle stretching and balancing movements to warm the muscles while calming the mind. Experience the quieting effect movement can have on the mind with this gentle and effective session. Release stress and tension from the body and leave with a clearer mind, feeling more focused and ready to take on whatever awaits you afterward. 

Picture this: you have 10 minutes from the end of your current Zoom meeting until the start of your next Zoom meeting. You spend that time furtively trying to cram in as much work as possible, and maybe shake your wrists out or move your head side-to-side for a little distraction from the screen. At the conclusion of your final meeting, you notice that your back feels uncomfortable, your knees feel stiff, and your focus has plummeted. What do you do? Request this workshop! Cornell Wellness staff will provide tips to help push back on Zoom fatigue and guide you through stretches that can ease discomfort from extended time sitting in front of a screen. You'll learn strategies to help maintain your focus and freshness. 

You don’t need to be a culinary expert to request this workshop, led by Wellness’ nutritionist, as she guides your work group through how to make a quick and easy breakfast recipe called overnight oats. The first meal of the day is hard to put on the table for many individuals, so to make breakfast a part of our routines in our hectic lives, learn this almost effortless way to incorporate something that’s both nutritious and filling into your day. You can also pre-make several days’ worth of overnight oats at one time, and then just grab and go the rest of the week.
Please note: If requesting this workshop virtually through zoom, a list of ingredients and supplies will be provided to the main contact person in advance and it is the responsibility of the participants to gather ingredients and supplies on their own and bring to the virtual workshop. If requesting this workshop be delivered in-person, a list of ingredients and supplies will be provided to the main contact person in advance and it is the responsibility of the group requesting the workshop to purchase all of the ingredients and supplies for the participants. For in-person delivery, there is a maximum group size of 12.

Do you ever wonder to yourself whether you're getting the nutrients that you need or if you're putting the right foods on your plate? If so - or, if you're just curious and would like to learn more - request this workshop - and we will explore together and figure out what your plate could look like while using some food models and discussing different food groups. Every plate tells a story, so let's see what your story might be!

Do you find yourself reaching for a snack but unsure what to eat? Then you are in the right place. Join Wellness' nutritionist in this presentation to explore easy, healthy, and quick snack ideas for when you are craving something to nibble on. Whether you are looking for a grab and go option, something easy to take on the road, or a snack between meals, we've got you covered with this A to Z on snacking.

When work and life demands get hard, how do we handle it? In this workshop we will discuss stress, how to navigate stressful situations, and what self-care means to us. There will be a dual focus on in-the-moment relaxation techniques and long-term strategies that can help us live well. We'll have time for self-reflection, group discussions, and guided self-care practices. Additional resources that can be helpful during challenging times will also be provided. 

In US society today, there is a lot of pressure to be perfect: to have the perfect body, to do the perfect workouts, to eat the perfect diet. Join Wellness staff to debunk fitness myths and reflect on our connections to physical activity. During this workshop, participants will have multiple ways to explore the meaning of movement and exercise in their lives, including guided self-reflection and group discussions. 

This is the perfect 15-minute pre-meeting guided activity to get both your body and mind feeling simultaneously relaxed and ready to focus on upcoming meeting topics. Request this workshop to be led through a series of breathing, stretching, and progressive relaxation techniques designed to release tension that is occupying valuable space you want to free up. 

Are you starting to develop some areas of discomfort in your body that you think may be related to posture & alignment, repetitive movements, or muscle tension? When we are working and life’ing day in day out discomforts will often arise. Join Cornell Wellness staff to learn about and try out a few posture, stretching, and self-massage techniques that you can practice throughout your day to unkink and unwind your body.

Are you wondering what services are available to you? Well, wait no longer. Request this workshop to learn about the 6 most frequently accessed services Cornell Wellness provides, such as individual wellness consultations, in-person and virtual group exercise classes, and much more. Cornell Wellness serves staff, faculty, retirees, and spouses/partners in the areas of fitness, nutrition, health education and self-care for the mind. We believe that providing education and multiple different opportunities for engagement allow for you to feel empowered to make the best choices for yourself throughout your lifetime journey with wellness. 

• Mondays & Wednesdays, 8:00-8:50am, January 6-May 21
• Zoom
• It's recommended you provide your own dumbbells
• Register here

This strength training class is a great complement to your movement routine. The class utilizes dumbbells and bodyweight, increasing the strength of your heart and body through various movements that get your heart rate up and muscles working. This full-body workout targets the major muscle groups of both the upper and lower body. Options are provided for each movement so that the participant can choose what best suits their body at that time. Contact Tina Hunt with any questions. The class Zoom link will be sent out the day before the class begins. If you have registered after the class begins, the class link will be sent out on the Friday after you registered. Registered participants must have an active Wellness Recreation Membership.

• Mondays, 12:00-1:00pm, January 6-May 19
• Zoom
• It's recommended you provide your own mat, foam roller (preferably OPTP soft roller) and 1, 2, or 3 lb. hand weights
• Register here

This class honors the practice of Pilates & the body, building strength in the core and beyond. Pilates is beneficial for everyday activities and sport enthusiasts. This class provides an entire body work out, with an engaged mind, for very special results. Benefits of Pilates include attaining increased body awareness, flexibility, strength, grace, and ease of motion. You will be guided through how to recruit the appropriate muscle groups to support each movement and activity, advancing your peak strength and stamina. Contact Tina Hunt with any questions. The class Zoom link will be sent out the day before the class begins. If you have registered after the class begins, the class link will be sent out on the Friday after you registered. Registered participants must have an active Wellness Recreation Membership.

• Mondays, 5:00-6:30pm, January 6-May 19
• Zoom
• It's recommended you provide your own yoga mat
• Register here

Join us for the perfect end to your day, connecting breath and movement in a mindful way as you move through a sequence of asanas designed to help you let go of tension and find balance, unraveling the day to help you prepare for a restful evening. This class is appropriate for all bodies and abilities. You do not need to attend every class in order to register, come when you can. Contact Tina Hunt with any questions. The class Zoom link will be sent out the day before the class begins. If you have registered after the class begins, the class link will be sent out on the Friday after you registered. Registered participants must have an active Wellness Recreation Membership.

• Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:00-8:00am, January 14-May 22, Location: HR Wellbeing Room - 345 Pine Tree Road, East Hill Plaza
• In Person
• This is a carry-in, carry-out class. Please bring your own mat, water bottle, towel, and any other equipment you may desire for class
• Register here

Core training is the foundation of all human movement. This class improves functional strength for daily activities while using exercises that tighten, tone, and focus on the core. Standing body weight exercises and laying mat exercises are performed during this class. It’s okay to attend just Tuesdays, just Thursdays, or both. Contact Tina Hunt with any questions. Registered participants must have an active Wellness Recreation Membership.

• Tuesdays, 12:15-1:00pm, January 14-May 20, Location: Helen Newman Hall Dance Studio
• In Person
• Equipment is available onsite for you to use
• Register here

Barre is a class that combines elements of ballet, yoga, and Pilates and uses small micro movements to strengthen, lengthen and sculpt your body. Participate to target specific muscles using isolated exercises that shape your arms, legs, and glutes while focusing on core and alignment. This is a non-impact class suitable for all bodies and fitness levels. This class is an open-level format to help you build strength, and improve posture and flexibility while creating long lean muscles. Contact Tina Hunt with any questions. Registered participants must have an active Wellness Recreation Membership.

• Wednesdays & Fridays, 8:10-8:50am, January 8-May 23
• Zoom
• It's recommended you provide your own water bottle and towel
• Register here

This cardio class is perfect for active older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba® class that recreates the original moves you love at a lower intensity. Also great for anyone at any age looking for a moderate intensity energizing class. The design of the class introduces easy-to-follow Zumba® choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion, and coordination. Come ready to sweat, and prepare to leave empowered and invigorated. Contact Tina Hunt with any questions. The class Zoom link will be sent out the day before the class begins. If you have registered after the class begins, the class link will be sent out on the Friday after you registered. Registered participants must have an active Wellness Recreation Membership.

• Wednesdays, 8:30-9:30am, January 8-May 21, Location: HR Wellbeing Room - 345 Pine Tree Road, East Hill Plaza
• In Person
• This is a carry-in, carry-out class. Please bring with you your own mat, foam roller (preferably OPTP soft roller) and 1, 2, or 3 lb. hand weights
• Register here

This class honors the practice of Pilates & the body, building strength in the core and beyond. Pilates is beneficial for everyday activities and sport enthusiasts. This class provides an entire body work out, with an engaged mind, for very special results. Benefits of Pilates include attaining increased body awareness, flexibility, strength, grace, and ease of motion. You will be guided through how to recruit the appropriate muscle groups to support each movement and activity, advancing your peak strength and stamina. Contact Tina Hunt with any questions. Registered participants must have an active Wellness Recreation Membership.

• Thursdays, 8:00-8:50am, January 9-May 22
• Zoom
• It's recommended you provide your own mat
• Register here

Ballet Barre Fitness is a fun, hybrid workout combining the elements of barre, yoga, Pilates and strength training, using small, controlled movements, isometric holds and high repetitions to help you develop long, lean, and sculpted muscles while improving your posture and flexibility. The class Zoom link will be sent out the day before the class begins. If you have registered after the class begins, the class link will be sent out on the Friday after you registered. Contact Tina Hunt with any questions. Registered participants must have an active Wellness Recreation Membership.

• Thursdays, 9:00-10:00am, February 13-May 22
• Zoom
• Register here

Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese Wellness art based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Eastern Philosophy. This class includes correcting posture, connecting to breath, mobilizing joints, gently stretching and strengthening muscles, traditional Qi Gong movement sets, static standing postures, as well as meditation and visualization. Most movements are performed standing; however, all movements can be modified to a seated position. This class gently works the body while calming the mind and regulating the nervous system. The class Zoom link will be sent out the day before the class begins. If you have registered after the class begins, the class link will be sent out on the Friday after you registered. Contact Tina Hunt with any questions. Registered participants must have an active Wellness Recreation Membership.

• Fridays, 7:00-8:00am, January 10-May 23
• Zoom
• It's recommended you provide your own yoga mat
• Register here

Join this class for the perfect start to your day, connecting breath and movement in a mindful way as you move through a sequence of asanas designed to help you let go of tension and find balance, setting you up for a productive day. This class is appropriate for all bodies and abilities. You do not need to attend every class in order to register, come when you can. Contact Tina Hunt with any questions. The class Zoom link will be sent out the day before the class begins. If you have registered after the class begins, the class link will be sent out on the Friday after you registered. Registered participants must have an active Wellness Recreation Membership.

• Fridays, 8:00-8:50am, January 17-May 23, Location: Helen Newman Hall Dance Studio
• In Person
• Equipment is available onsite for you to use
• Register here

Ballet Barre Fitness is a fun, hybrid workout combining the elements of barre, yoga, Pilates and strength training, using small, controlled movements, isometric holds and high repetitions to help you develop long, lean, and sculpted muscles while improving your posture and flexibility. Contact Tina Hunt with any questions. Registered participants must have an active Wellness Recreation Membership.

• Fridays, 9:00-10:00am, January 10-May 23
• Virtual
• It's recommended you provide your own mat
• Register here

In this class we incorporate the key principles from Joseph Pilates’ now-infamous method: centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow. Following the traditional Pilates mat sequence, you will be challenged to explore where your body is holding and moving each week and seek to relinquish old patterns while waking up underused and overlooked muscles. No matter if you practiced Pilates previously, currently, or not at all, all are welcome. Contact Tina Hunt with any questions. The class Zoom link will be sent out the day before the class begins. If you have registered after the class begins, the class link will be sent out on the Friday after you registered. Registered participants must have an active Wellness Recreation Membership.

• Fridays, 10:00-11:00am, February 14-May 23
• In Person
• Chairs are available onsite for you to use
• Register here

Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese Wellness art based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Eastern Philosophy. This class includes correcting posture, connecting to breath, mobilizing joints, gently stretching and strengthening muscles, traditional Qi Gong movement sets, static standing postures, as well as meditation and visualization. Most movements are performed standing; however, all movements can be modified to a seated position. This class gently works the body while calming the mind and regulating the nervous system. Contact Tina Hunt with any questions. Registered participants must have an active Wellness Recreation Membership.

Morning Sip & Relax Series

• Held Fridays, 4-sessions, February 7, 14, 21, 28, 9:00-9:30am
• Register here for these Zoom sessions
• Open to the entire Cornell community; no membership required

For multiple reasons, you may find yourself needing to replenish, rejuvenate, and re-fill your energy cup, and at the same time realize that getting away on vacation is not a viable current option. Join these 30-minute healing in place morning sip and guided progressive muscle relaxation sessions, facilitated by Kerry Howell, Cornell Wellness staff, to start hitting the refresh button. Bring a warm beverage of your choosing to the Zoom room to help enhance your relaxation through touch and smell and allow yourself to be led through this relaxation technique that brings needed relief to your overworked muscles as you intentionally tighten and then relax your muscles systematically from your head down to your toes. Attend one or more of these drop-in sessions from anywhere you find yourself doing work/life at. Contact Kerry Howell with any questions.

Morning Meditation Series

• Held Fridays, 4-sessions, March 7, 14, 21, 28, 9:00-9:30am
• Register here for these Zoom sessions
• Open to the entire Cornell community; no membership required

For multiple reasons, you may find yourself needing to replenish, rejuvenate, and re-fill your energy cup, and at the same time realize that getting away on vacation is not a viable current option. Join these 30-minute healing in place morning meditations, facilitated by Kerry Howell, Cornell Wellness staff, to start hitting the refresh button. You’ll be invited to sit with your gaze lowered, or eyes closed, while you are led virtually through a meditation designed to focus on the breath and bring a sense of calm to the busy mind. Attend one or more of these drop-in sessions from anywhere you find yourself doing work/life at. Contact Kerry Howell with any questions.

• Held Thursdays, March 20 - April 10, 11:30-Noon
• Register here for these Zoom sessions
• Open to the entire Cornell community; no membership needed

Back by popular demand, Stretch with Wellness returns with a 4-week stretching series that runs from 11:30-Noon on Thursdays. This series will be focused on the legs, hips, and core to help you deepen your connection to the muscles and joints of your lower body. Each session will include a combination of active, energizing stretches and soothing, relaxing stretches. You can attend one or more of these drop-in sessions from anywhere, and you need not attend previous sessions to join later in the series. No equipment is necessary, though some of the stretches will be from a chair. Questions? Contact session facilitator C Lucas.

• Thursdays, April 17 - May 8, 11:30-Noon
• Register here for these Zoom sessions
• Open to the entire Cornell community; no membership needed

Join Cornell Wellness for this 4-week stretching series focused on the upper body. The 30-minute sessions will run from 11:30-Noon on Thursdays. This series will include movements for the shoulders, chest, and back to help you deepen your connection to the muscles and joints of your upper body. Each session will include a combination of active, energizing stretches and soothing, relaxing stretches. You can attend one or more of these drop-in sessions from anywhere, and you need not attend previous sessions to join later in the series. No equipment is necessary, though some of the stretches will be from a chair. Questions? Contact session facilitator C Lucas.

• Held Mondays, February 3 - March 10, 2:30-3:30pm, HR Wellbeing Room - 345 Pine Tree Road, East Hill Plaza
• Part 1: February 3 - 17, Part 2: February 24 - March 10
• Register here for this In-Person series
• Open to the entire Cornell community; no membership needed

Boost your balance and stability with this 2-part series. This series will be offered in two, 3-week sessions. Join for one or both sessions. Part 1 will focus on balance basics like standing on one foot, mind-body coordination, and how to use supportive structures. Part 2 will focus on stability while moving with more complex movement patterns. During both sessions, you’ll practice balance exercises and have the opportunity to try a few different pieces of equipment. You’ll strengthen muscles and leave feeling steadier on your feet. This series is appropriate for all fitness levels and is open to the entire Cornell community; no membership needed. Space is limited to 15 participants. Questions? Contact session facilitator C Lucas.

• Held Mondays, April 21 - May 19, 2:30-3:30pm, HR Wellbeing Room - 345 Pine Tree Road, East Hill Plaza
• Register here for this In-Person series
• Open to the entire Cornell community; no membership needed

This 4-week, in-person series is designed to strengthen the brain-body connection. During the sessions, you’ll practice a variety of mental and physical exercises designed to strengthen balance, coordination, and overall bodily control. While the movements will be lower in physical intensity, they will be higher in complexity. You can look forward to solving puzzles, training hand-eye coordination, and much more. This series is appropriate for all fitness levels and is open to the entire Cornell community; no membership needed. Space is limited to 15 participants. Questions? Contact session facilitator C Lucas.

In recognition of Mental Health Month in May, Cornell Wellness is hosting a series of activities the week of May 5th (05/05/25 – 15/11/25). This Mental Health Month, prioritize yourself and participate in one of our activities. The offerings will focus on practicing self-care, provide you with resources that can make you feel empowered to take proactive steps toward wellness. Small actions can lead to big changes, don’t wait, register below for one or more activities and be entered into a Prize Drawing worth $50 (50 points through the Employee Appreciation portal).

If you are pressed for time and are not able to participate in any of the activities mentioned, don't worry, a recorded version of all of them will be available the week of May 12th for you to take part in at a time/day that is most convenient for you.

Register here if you are intending to participate in one of the offerings below, or if you'd like to receive the video version of the offering released the week of May 12th.

• Jumble Journaling: Monday, May 5, 4:00-4:30pm, HR Wellbeing Room - 345 Pine Tree Road, East Hill Plaza. Team up with Kerry to Jumble Journal and allow your mind to freely flow its thoughts onto pages of a journal. Never heard of Jumble Journaling? That’s because Kerry made it up. The word jumble is often associated with a confused pile of things. During this in-person workshop, Kerry will describe and lead you through a few types of journaling styles that you’ll then be invited to try out in real time. Attend this workshop to get those jumbled thoughts that are rolling around in your mind out in front of you and onto paper, creating some needed space between you and your thoughts.
• Strengthen Against Stress: Tuesday, May 6, 8:30-8:45am or Thursday, May 8, 3:00-3:15pm. Two sessions will be offered so that you can choose the option that best fits your schedule. Join Tina for a brief (15-minute) zoom live session as she guides you through five body and mind strengthening movements you can do to feel stronger and more resilient.
• Rest & Recovery: Friday, May 9, 10:00-10:30am. Come to C’s zoom live workshop to discuss the importance of rest for mental wellness and to develop a plan for integrating restorative practices into your busy schedule. Time will be split between learning about how our bodies handle stress, discussion about pressure to be on-the-go all the time, and guided self-reflection to find strategies that work for you.
• Foods to Keep in Mind: Friday, May 9, 12:00-12.30pm, Room 220, HNH Oasis, by the gym, 163 Cradit Farm Dr, Helen Newman Hall. Connect with Brinda for a power point presentation focusing on healthy eating, smart food choices and grocery shopping to support your brilliant brain and body. What you eat can have a huge influence on your mental well-being.

Questions/comments, contact quarterly health campaign organizer contact Brinda Sankar 

Open to the entire Cornell community, no wellness recreation membership needed.

February is American Heart Month, let’s take a bit of time this month to collectively learn about things that make our hearts happy and healthy. How are we going to do this, we have ideas…. The wellness team is planning activities the week of February 10th, 2025 for you to take part in. Open to the entire Cornell community, no Wellness membership needed. Participate in one or more activities to connect with others while simultaneously learning about heart health and be entered into a Prize Drawing worth $50 (50 points through the Employee Appreciation portal).

Register here if you are intending to participate in one of the offerings below.

• Open Your Heart to Stretching - Join Tina, Cornell Wellness Staff, for this 15-minute recorded session as she guides you through heart-opening, tension-relieving stretches and movements to make your heart happy and bring joy to your day. The video recording will be available at the start of the campaign so that you may enjoy it at your leisure, whenever it fits in with your schedule.
• Post to Viva Engage – The week of February 10th, connect with your Cornell community through sharing a picture of yourself on Viva Engage holding a hand drawn heart containing one or more words describing what makes your heart happy. Your heart can be simple or creatively bedazzled, and what you write inside of it is completely up to you. Many things can contribute to a happy heart including healthy foods and physical activity, plus anything that reduces our stress such as spending time with friends, snuggling with pets, visiting favorite places, getting enough sleep, and so much more. Share and connect with others in the Cornell community through the Cornell Wellness Experiences Viva Engage page. New to Viva Engage? See information from Cornell IT on how to get started. If you experience any challenges using Viva Engage, alternatively you can email Kerry Howell your picture, and she will post it.
• Demystifying Physical Activity Guidelines - Join C, on Thursday, February 13, 12.30 -1.00pm for this educational workshop to learn about the physical activity guidelines for keeping your heart happy and healthy. We will discuss the benefits of physical activity in addition to figuring out what kind and how much is best for you. Other topics will include how to know what different levels of intensity might feel like, as well as using technology to track your heart rate and overall fitness. There will be a Q & A section at the workshop, so please bring any questions you have! While the workshop itself will not be recorded, a pre-recorded version will be released in case you cannot attend the Zoom live session.
• Cocoa and Heart Health - Being happy is actually good for your health, especially your heart. Researchers found that happy people are 22% less likely to develop heart disease over the course of a 10 year follow up. Show your heart some love on Valentines Day, by making chocolate from scratch with Brinda while learning some myths and facts on the heart health benefits of cocoa. February 14, 11.30am -12.30pm, in-person at the East Hill Plaza Wellbeing Room, 345 Pine Tree Road. A pre-recorded version of tips and tricks of chocolate making will be released in case you cannot attend the in-person session.

Questions/comments, contact quarterly health campaign organizer contact Brinda Sankar 

Open to the entire Cornell community, no wellness recreation membership needed.

Almost 1 in 6 adults in the US has diabetes. In recognition of American Diabetes Month, Cornell Wellness is hosting a series of activities this week. Whether you are newly diagnosed, have diabetes, or taking care of your family member with diabetes, we have some information to share. Fill out this intention survey letting us know your intention to participate in one or more of the offerings listed below to be entered into a $50 prize drawing (50 points through the Appreciation Portal).

• Wellness’ Instagram (11/18/24-11/25/24) - Tune in to Cornell Wellness’ Instagram to see how Wellness staff answer questions about blood sugar control. Let us know what tip/s you found interesting when you fill out the end of campaign survey.
• Habit Building Workshop (11/21/24) 2:00-2:45pm - Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes? Are you wanting to make changes to your habits but are not sure how to go about it? Join Wellness staff for this introductory workshop to explore strategies for changing current habits or building new ones. We will cover several topics including goal setting, developing support networks, and creating an action plan. Please still indicate your interest below even if you are unable to attend the workshop, as a recorded version will be released after the Zoom live session. Questions? Contact session facilitator C Lucas (cl2478@cornell.edu). If you missed the virtual session, watch the Habit Building workshop video.
• Tabling Event (11/22/24) 11:30am-1:30pm - Stop on by the Teagle Hall entrance foyer, where you'll interact with Wellness staff and learn information about lifestyle ideas to manage diabetes/healthy living. Ask some questions about food, exercise, grab a couple of handouts, and leave feeling empowered about your health.

Take part in one or more of the above offerings to learn about diabetes and your health. Questions/comments, contact quarterly health campaign organizer contact Brinda Sankar 

Open to the entire Cornell community, no wellness recreation membership needed.

Cornell Wellness invites you to experience Living Well with Fall’s Bounty during the last week of September (9/23/24 – 9/29/24). Fall is a time to bring attention to supporting your immune system through everything that nature has to offer including nutrient packed seasonal fruits and vegetables plus the calming colorful beauty of the outdoors, and more. Register here to participate in one or more of the offerings listed below and be entered into a $50 prize drawing (50 points through the Appreciation Portal).

• Pumpkin Pump Express (9/23/24) 11:30-11:50am - Take part in this virtual strength class, utilizing the bounty of your garden as the weights in your workout to do some pumpkin squats, potato presses, zucchini curls, and more as Tina guides you through a short workout sure to bring on the sweat, but more importantly - the fun! No pumpkins at hand? That's perfectly fine - you can still participate with whatever you have available - whether it's dumbbells, soup cans, or water bottles. If you missed the virtual session, watch the Pumpkin Pump Express video.
• Fall Foliage Walk and Roll (9/25/24) 3:00-3:30pm - Join C for a panoramic view of the fall colors around central campus. The walk & roll will begin and end at the overlook near Uris Library to admire all things fall. If you can’t make it, try a walk or roll in your own community and look for a tree with yellow leaves, a fall flower, fall window decorations, etc. and let us know about your beautiful finds when you fill out the end of campaign survey.
• Food Demo (9/27/24) 11:00-noon - Participate in this Zoom live food demonstration on preparing a Sesame Turnips & Carrots recipe with Brinda and learn how to incorporate this tasty seasonal fall produce into your meal line-up. Fresh seasonal produce doesn't just happen in the summer, the fall is filled with delicious seasonal produce too! Have you ever tried turnips before? If not, this will be a great start to including this nutritious and versatile produce into your diet. Registered participants will receive the ingredient list so you can choose to cook along or just watch and learn. Didn’t get a chance to join the virtual session, watch the Food Demo video.
• Fall Produce Powerhouse (9/23/24 – 9/27/24) - Tune in to Cornell Wellness’ Instagram for 5 days of tips from Kerry on leveraging fall’s seasonal fruits and veggies to support your immune system and help prevent or control some common health challenges that may arise throughout your lifespan. Let us know what tip/s you found interesting when you fill out the end of campaign survey.

Take part in one or more of the offerings listed above to boost your immunity as you enter a time of increased exposure to colds and viruses. Questions/comments, contact Brinda Sankar MSc, RD CDN, Nutrition and Health Outreach Specialist with Cornell Wellness. 

Cornell Wellness’ 2-week health campaign on Blood Pressure Basics runs June 3, 2024 through June 14, 2024. It’s open to the entire Cornell community, no Wellness membership needed. Learn about, and try out, multiple ways to help maintain or manage your blood pressure. Participate in one or more of the following offerings and be entered to win $50 through the Employee Appreciation portal (redeemable through Amazon, Cornell Store, Cornell Dining, or applied towards the CARE Fund).

• Blood Pressure (BP) challenge – Increase your own awareness of what your blood pressure is by recording your BP readings throughout the two weeks. Use a self-serve machine available at many pharmacies or have your BP taken at one of the tabling events. If you would like a printable BP log emailed to you, for ease of recording your readings, reach out to Cornell Wellness staff Brinda Sankar, and she’ll email it to you, or you can download a copy from the Wellness Weekly Update e-newsletter.
• Tabling events – chat with Wellness staff about blood pressure, get your BP checked if you’d like, and pick up helpful handouts. We’ll have nutrition and fitness experts from Cornell Wellness staffing the table to answer your questions. Additionally, you can sniff and touch multiple cooking herbs, which are great for adding flavor to your favorite dishes instead of shaking on the salt. For sodium sensitive individuals, salt can increase BP.
  • Monday, June 3, 7:30-8:30am, Helen Newman Hall – near the 3rd floor fitness center entrance
  • Monday, June 10, 11:30-12:30pm, Teagle Hall – near the 1st floor fitness center entrance
• Moves To Manage Your BP - Join this 20-minute session filled with gentle movements for you to try that can have a positive impact on your blood pressure. Movements focus on centering, grounding, and relaxation techniques. Workshop provided by Tina Hunt, Wellness and Fitness Specialist.
  • Tuesday, June 4, 11:30-11:50am, Helen Newman Hall 2nd floor dance studio
  • View the recorded version of Moves To Manage Your BP. Email Tina to let her know you watched it
• Walk And Roll – Join this approximately 60-minute on campus group experience. It begins with 5-10 minutes of information sharing on the benefits walking/rolling has on BP, then 30-40 minutes walking/rolling around the paved arts quad path, and ends with 10 minutes of stretches, all led by C. Lucas, Wellness Community Programming Specialist. Don’t have 60 minutes, that’s okay, join for the amount of time that works for you.
  • Thursday, June 13, 11:30am-12:30pm, meet at the AD White Statue by Goldwin Smith Hall, Arts Quad
  • Not on campus? Take an intentional 40 to 60-minute walk at a destination of your choosing, and email C to let them know where you went
• Lower your blood pressure through Meditation – Plug in, listen, and feel tension start to ease. Practicing meditation as self-care for both your mind & body can have a big impact on reducing blood pressure through decreasing low levels of stress you may be experiencing and improving how quickly you can wind down towards sleep. Try out these meditations by Kerry Howell, Cornell Wellness Director and email her to let her know which one you tried.
  • Cornell Wellness: Relax With Wellness (18 minute)
  • Cornell Wellness: 5 Minute Sleep Meditation
  • Cornell Wellness: 15 Minute Sleep Meditation

Questions/comments about the health campaign, contact Brinda Sankar, Nutrition and Health Outreach Specialist with Cornell Wellness. 

• Runs Monday, January 6 - Friday, January 31, 2025
• Registration is ongoing, Register here
• Open to the entire Cornell community; no membership needed
• Weekly Prize Drawings!

The Try It with Wellness campaign begins this week and will last through the end of January.  In-person, virtual, and pre-recorded options are all included. The campaign features activities related to nutrition, physical activity, and self-care for the mind. Each Monday you’ll get an email packed with new options for the week, try out one or more of the options to be entered into that week’s prize drawing.

You can look forward to:

• Trying out new recipes
• Playing around with different types of journaling
• Stretching sore muscles and easing tension
• Tuning in to guided meditations
• Getting familiar with dumbbells, stability balls, and other exercise equipment
• Touring the recreation spaces on the Ithaca campus
• Finding activities that best work for you
• And more

You can participate in as many or as few offerings as you'd like throughout the month, and you can participate at any time. If you miss a week, you can still participate in later weeks. 
Bonus!! Sign-up with a Cornell-affiliated friend or colleague and you’ll both get double entries into the prize drawings!!

For questions, contact C Lucas, Cornell Wellness staff and lead organizer of the Try It with Wellness campaign (brought to you by Cornell University Wellness Program).

• Held Thursday, 12:00-12:45pm, February 20, 2025 via Zoom
• Register here
• Open to the entire Cornell community; no membership needed

Join this Community Wellness Chat to connect with fellow Cornellians about how to stay active through the end of the winter season. You’ll leave with helpful tips for boosting your motivation on those gloomy days. Sign up today to reserve your spot.

This community chat is facilitated live via Zoom and closed captioning will be enabled. Contact C. Lucas with any questions. You will receive a Zoom link a few days before the session.

• Held Tuesday, 2:00-2:30pm, December 17, 2024 via Zoom
• Register here
• Open to the entire Cornell community; no membership required

The winter season has arrived! Join this Community Wellness Chat to connect with fellow Cornellians about how we all stay warm throughout the winter months. There will be two main topics of discussion: 1) cooking nutritious soups & chilis, and 2) staying physically active in cold weather conditions. You’ll leave with helpful tips for boosting your well-being this winter. Sign-up today to reserve your spot.

This community chat is facilitated live via Zoom by Brinda Sankar and C. Lucas, , Cornell Wellness staff. Closed captioning will be enabled. Contact Brinda or C with any questions. You will receive a Zoom link a few days before the session.

• Held Tuesdays, 4-session series, 12-12:45pm, Oct 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2024
• Register here for this 4-session Zoom series
• Open to the entire Cornell community; no membership needed 

Do you currently have high blood pressure? Are you looking to build both your knowledge and skills towards actionable options you can try out that science has shown result in lowering blood pressure? Then this 4-session series is a great choice to make. Each session facilitated by Wellness staff is topic focused and has elements of shared learning. Contact Kerry at kk253@cornell.edu with any questions about this offering.

• Please note: This offering has been cancelled due to low enrollment. However, we do provide individual tobacco/smoking cessation sessions that are available by request.
• Held Fridays, 4-session series, 4-4:45pm, Oct 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2024, HR Wellbeing Room - 345 Pine Tree Road, East Hill Plaza
• Register here for this 4-session In-Person series
• Open to the entire Cornell community; no membership needed 

Are you currently smoking, vaping, or dipping? Are you looking to build both your knowledge and skills to support your next quit attempt? Sign up for this 4-session series to build the tools that you can use whenever you decide your next quit attempt will be. Each session facilitated by Wellness staff is topic focused and has elements of shared learning. Contact Kerry at kk253@cornell.edu with any questions about this offering.